But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World's Favorite Wine

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Both the region of Champagne and its wines have always been associated with prestige and luxury. Knowledgeable wine enthusiasts have long discussed top Champagnes with the same reverence they reserve for the finest wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

InBut First, Champagne, author David White details Champagne's history along with that of its wines, explains how and why the market is changing, and profiles the region's leading producers.
This book is essential reading for wine enthusiasts, adventurous drinkers, foodies, sommeliers, and drinks professionals. With a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the region, its history, and its leading producers,But First, Champagnewill demystify Champagne for all.

Reviews

But First, Champagne is the book you didnt know you needed. Fine Wine Concierge

This is an instant classic, the definitive guide to the sparkling wine of a justly ballyhooed region . . . As with the wines themselves, White's most joyous accomplishment is in the finely etched details. StarTribune

A comprehensive, smartly written guide. Food & Wine

David White shares an enthusiasm for the worlds classiest bubbly in his delightful new book . . . [he] has penned an indispensable guide to the French region and its wine. The Washington Post

Exploring the renaissance of grower Champagne . . . White dives into the Champagne regions storied history and demystifies the good stuff for wine geeks and newbies alike. Chicago Tribune

You'll be entertained by the lively history and sumptuous photographs. The New Criterion

[We] can confidently recommend this book as a good companion as you sip a bottle of bubbly. Vino-Sphere

Those that pick up But First, Champagne . . . will be richly rewarded . . . White never loses sight of what makes the region a truly unique place, perhaps the only place that could give birth to the world's most magical wine. Tasting Panel

Champagne is one of wines most misunderstood topics, not helped by the preponderance of philosophically rusty books on the topic. Enter David Whites sleek effort . . . it covers Champagne 101 deftly and in detail PUNCH

A gratifying read. The book is not pretentious in any sort of way, rather simply admires the historical process that has brought about so many bubbles. At times, one forgets the book is about wine at all (in a good way), while the people, land, and tradition take center stage. But First, Champagne is great if you are looking for a new read or need something handy for reference. Either way, enjoy the rambunctious party that is the story of Champagne. Grape Collective

Whites book brings a new perspective to a magical region thats witnessed more heartbreakand lubricated more celebrationsthan anywhere else in the world. Packed with beautiful photographs, But First, Champagne is essential reading for wine enthusiasts, adventurous drinkers, and foodies. Miami Culinary Tours

[White] has done a very, very good job of laying out the current state of Champagne in the context of the world wine marketplace. Theres a lot to like in But First, Champagne, not the least of which is the fact that both newbies and jaded connoisseurs alike can find ample merit within its pages. 1 Wine Dude
But First, Champagne is the book you didnt know you needed. Fine Wine Concierge

This is an instant classic, the definitive guide to the sparkling wine of a justly ballyhooed region . . . As with the wines themselves, White's most joyous accomplishment is in the finely etched details. StarTribune

A comprehensive, smartly written guide. Food & Wine

David White shares an enthusiasm for the worlds classiest bubbly in his delightful new book . . . [he] has penned an indispensable guide to the French region and its wine. The Washington Post

Exploring the renaissance of grower Champagne . . . White dives into the Champagne regions storied history and demystifies the good stuff for wine geeks and newbies alike. Chicago Tribune

You'll be entertained by the lively history and sumptuous photographs. The New Criterion

[We] can confidently recommend this book as a good companion as you sip a bottle of bubbly. Vino-Sphere

Those that pick up But First, Champagne . . . will be richly rewarded . . . White never loses sight of what makes the region a truly unique place, perhaps the only place that could give birth to the world's most magical wine. Tasting Panel

Champagne is one of wines most misunderstood topics, not helped by the preponderance of philosophically rusty books on the topic. Enter David Whites sleek effort . . . it covers Champagne 101 deftly and in detail PUNCH

A gratifying read. The book is not pretentious in any sort of way, rather simply admires the historical process that has brought about so many bubbles. At times, one forgets the book is about wine at all (in a good way), while the people, land, and tradition take center stage. But First, Champagne is great if you are looking for a new read or need something handy for reference. Either way, enjoy the rambunctious party that is the story of Champagne. Grape Collective

Whites book brings a new perspective to a magical region thats witnessed more heartbreakand lubricated more celebrationsthan anywhere else in the world. Packed with beautiful photographs, But First, Champagne is essential reading for wine enthusiasts, adventurous drinkers, and foodies. Miami Culinary Tours

[White] has done a very, very good job of laying out the current state of Champagne in the context of the world wine marketplace. Theres a lot to like in But First, Champagne, not the least of which is the fact that both newbies and jaded connoisseurs alike can find ample merit within its pages. 1 Wine Dude

Author Bio

David White is one of the worlds leading wine writers and author of a nationally syndicated wine column hosted by Grape Collective. He is the founder and editor of Terroirist.com, one of the worlds most popular wine blogs, for which hes been awarded both Best New Wine Blog and Best Overall Wine Blog. His writing has been published in the World of Fine Wine, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and more. White also serves as chair of Hearts Delight, one of the worlds largest charity wine auctions. He resides in Washington, DC.

Ray Isle is executive wine editor of Food & Wine. In addition to overseeing the magazines wine department, Ray writes the monthly column, Tasting Room, and regular feature stories, plus directs all spirits and beer coverage; he also writes weekly for CNNs Eatocracy site. Prior to joining Food & Wine in 2005, Ray was managing editor of Wine & Spirits. He lives in New York and can be found on Twitter as @islewine and on Instagram as @rayisle.

John Trinidad is an avid photographer, wine enthusiast, and attorney. After working harvest in Burgundy and in Healdsburg, John combined his legal education and interest in wine by joining the law firm of Dickenson, Peatman and Fogarty, where he works with the wine law practice group. He lives in Napa, California.